Chapter 350: The Soul Beast's Terms, Negotiations Broken
Boom—Dai Yao felt as though lightning had struck him, freezing him on the spot. After a moment, he recovered, his expression darkening. A sudden flash of insight hinted at what the soul beasts might want in exchange. In the original story, the soul beasts' greatest wish was to end their oppression by the divine realm, using the power of the Golden and Silver Dragon Kings to return to the divine realm and topple its council.
As the voice had revealed, they had anticipated Tang San to be destiny's chosen one, planting the Soft-Bone Rabbit Xiao Wu as a spy at his side. With Tang San's eventual ascent to godhood, they would have had an insider among the divine realm's ranks. Their hope was to bring their powers to the divine realm, lying in wait to one day topple its rule. Yet, it was unclear if Xiao Wu understood this mission, willingly remained with Tang San, or had been manipulated into it. Given her endearingly naive manner in Dai Yao's mental image, he doubted she possessed such a cunning mind.
In light of the original story, Xiao Wu could be seen as an unintentional spy for the soul beast world. Even as Tang San's god-queen consort, she seemed to do little to improve the soul beasts' situation. Despite Tang San's strategic attempts to bolster the soul beasts' influence, she had never pushed him to do more for her kind. So, most likely, Xiao Wu had been kept in the dark.
Now, with Tang San no longer the "child of destiny," the soul beasts' intricate plans had unraveled. To carry on, they needed someone else to take on Tang San's former role—a role they now wanted Dai Yao to fill.
A sense of dread slowly crept into Dai Yao's mind. He asked without a hint of emotion, "What exactly do you want from me?"
The deep voice chuckled, drifting over the ancient shelves like a soft breeze. Instead of immediately addressing the proposed exchange, the voice began, "Before we discuss terms, might I ask if you believe in the existence of gods?"
Dai Yao, his suspicions confirmed, replied evenly, "I've heard rumors, though they're only legends. Why do you ask?"
The voice sighed, heavy with hidden meaning, before continuing, "These aren't mere legends; gods do exist. High above this continent, there are divine beings residing in a place called the Divine Realm."
"And you," the voice went on, "as the chosen one of fate, are destined to break the barrier beyond the hundredth rank, becoming a god yourself. Your standing in the Divine Realm will not be insignificant."
Feigning surprise, Dai Yao furrowed his brows as though suddenly realizing something. "And you're telling me this because…?" he said, his tone sharp.
Dai Yao could practically hear the voice inhaling deeply before it answered, "Dai Yao, as the one marked by destiny, I represent the soul beast clan in proposing a pact. Our kin wish to be your allies, offering you the finest soul rings and bones to aid your rise to godhood."
"For your seventh through ninth rings, the soul beast clan will provide three ten-thousand-year soul beasts for you to absorb, giving you four ten-thousand-year rings in total. We will also ensure you have a complete set of ten-thousand-year soul bones. Your power will be unmatched among titled Douluos."
"In return, we only ask that when you reach godhood, you grant our kin a few small favors. And of course, if you later wish to end the pact, you may do so at any time."
Dai Yao scoffed inwardly. It sounded straightforward enough: even if he took their offerings but chose not to help the soul beasts, they were supposedly prepared to accept the loss. But he knew there was more to it. Those "small favors" were vague, masking the true stakes at hand.
He suspected the soul beasts sought to disrupt the Divine Realm's rule. While he held little fondness for the gods, he had no desire to see soul beasts dominate instead. Feigning curiosity, he let his breath quicken with feigned excitement, only to then ask cautiously, "And you don't fear that I might use your gifts to do nothing for you once I become a god?"
The voice chuckled knowingly. "Your skepticism is understandable. We'll accept the risk. We believe you're not that kind of person; we've studied you closely."
The voice turned sly. "We also know you have many fine women by your side. As part of our offer, we'd send some remarkable soul beast women to join you. Although they might not surpass your current wives in beauty, they are no less alluring."
"They're formidable too, each one at the level of a titled Douluo, so few humans would match their strength. With so much to gain, why hesitate?"
Dai Yao felt his temper flare—who had spread such a slanderous reputation about him? Yes, he had a few women in his life, but these were true bonds formed through hardship and loyalty, not the result of lust. Who had decided to peg him as a shallow philanderer?
His thoughts wandered to the soul beast women they might offer: likely candidates like Snow Empress, the Emerald Swan Bi Ji, Ice Empress, and Hell Dragon King Zi Ji. Snow Empress and Ice Empress resided in the Far North, but Bi Ji and Zi Ji were under Di Tian's command. Were they really proposing to offer him these two?
With a shake of his head, he dismissed the thought. Since when had he cared about such distractions?
He frowned darkly. "Keep your charms for someone else. I'm not interested in such 'gifts.'"
He sensed the soul beasts' true intentions clearly. Positioning female soul beasts at his side would give them both surveillance over him and influence. They could cloud his judgment, making it difficult for him to ignore their plight.
"Haha, I understand, I understand," the voice replied with an amused, conspiratorial tone.
Ignoring the mocking edge, Dai Yao hesitated for a moment, feigning deep contemplation, before saying, "I understand your terms, but I have to decline."
Surprise rang in the voice's reply. "We've given you very generous terms. Is there something you're dissatisfied with? If you name it, we may be able to adjust our offer. Why not first meet with those two soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest? I'm certain you'll be pleased with them."
Dai Yao replied coolly, "Precisely because of that. You've offered very enticing terms, but I'd rather stay true to my human side than become a traitor to it."
Without hesitation, he made his stance clear. The divide between humans and beasts was too wide to bridge. After a long silence, the voice finally responded, its tone colder and more distant.
"We apologize for bothering you, then. Should you ever reconsider, our offer stands. Simply make your way to the center of the Star Dou Forest, to the Lake of Life. Someone will guide you there."
"Yes, as long as you don't try anything, I won't tell anyone about today's events," Dai Yao replied calmly.
A soft chuckle was the last sound he heard as the voice fell silent, leaving Dai Yao in a thoughtful quiet. Closing Dou Yu's file, a trace of worry appeared on his face as he mused, "A time of turbulent change—forces stirring across the continent, soul beasts lying in wait. According to how things should go, the soul beasts' plan will likely amount to nothing. Even so, I need to stay on my guard."
Although he had no intention of hunting down those soul beasts, Dai Yao couldn't tolerate the thought of being secretly watched, regardless of their motives.
Leaving the archive, he found Xu Kun and handed him Dou Yu's file. Dai Yao then asked, "Did you see anyone else come near here just now? Anyone unfamiliar or not usually around the archives?"
If Xu Kun had seen such a person, it could be a clue to identifying the soul beast in disguise.
Xu Kun accepted the file respectfully and pondered for a moment before answering, "Not that I noticed, sir…"
Dai Yao frowned, fixing Xu Kun with a cold gaze. "Are you certain?"
For a brief moment, he wondered if Xu Kun himself might be the transformed soul beast. Dai Yao's steely gaze carried a pressure that made Xu Kun involuntarily lower his head, gulping nervously before he replied, "Yes, absolutely, sir. No one else was in the archives today!"
Dai Yao's fierce expression softened slightly. His suspicions eased after that test. Placing a small bag in Xu Kun's hand, he said, "Here are two hundred gold soul coins as your payment for today's help."
Xu Kun waved his hands in refusal, "Sir, please, there's no need! I was just doing my duty."
Dai Yao pressed the bag into his hand. "Take it. Also, I need one more favor: bring me a list of everyone who was on duty in the archives today."
Xu Kun's mind raced. Could something unusual have happened in the archives today? If there was a chance to help Dai Yao, Xu Kun wasn't about to refuse. Bowing, he replied, "Of course, sir. I'll bring it right away."
Dai Yao stepped outside, the list of names in hand. Yet, the mystery still gnawed at him. "It figures… everyone on this list checks out perfectly. No clues to the soul beast's identity—quite a headache," he thought, his brow furrowed.
The Sanctuary of the Worship Hall
In the dark, a pair of eyes slowly opened, their amber, beast-like gleam fading back to the human black of a normal gaze.
"Beast God, he refused. Even with every offer on the table, this so-called child of destiny won't align himself with our soul beast clan. Very well… I'll see to it that he comes begging us for an alliance."
A deep resolve, edged with a touch of sinister calm, colored the low voice. Rising to his full height, his broad, powerful frame was bathed in the golden sunlight streaming through the chapel's stained glass, casting an aura as imposing as a war god.
With a slight wave, he seemed to summon a bird from the forest beyond. A small, startled creature flew through the trees and open air, helplessly drawn to the man's hand, its tiny eyes full of panic. Leaning down, he whispered something into its ear, causing its dark pupils to burn an eerie red.
Raising his hand, he released the bird, which soared off into the distance—toward the Star Dou Great Forest. Watching it disappear, he murmured, "Beast God, our plan will not fail. If we're already on this one-way path… let's see just how far we can go."
Meanwhile, at the Worship Hall…
Spear Douluo approached the stately hall. Though smaller than the Pope's palace, it held a place of even greater reverence in the hearts of the powerful. The Worship Hall was the true heart of the Spirit Hall's power.
Only those at or above level 95 could enter this hall and leave their mark, a feat that Spear Douluo himself had aspired to achieve. Now, as he looked at the grand statue of the Angel of Light, his resolve wavered, unsettled by Pope Bibi Dong's increasing strength.
A heavy sigh escaped him as he entered. Inside, an elder was already waiting, standing within the hall's main chamber, where the god-angel was enshrined. Only the high priest could enter this holy sanctum, while the rest of the worshippers resided in separate chambers.
Following his instructions, Spear Douluo entered the appointed chamber. As the heavy door closed, he snapped to attention, addressing the figure before him. "Your Eminence, you requested my presence?"
The figure remained turned away, his voice low but commanding. "Spear Douluo, it's been years since you last came to the Worship Hall. Has your dedication shifted?" He paused before continuing in a warning tone. "Remember, in the Spirit Hall, there is only one true master: the high priest."
In an instant, the air thickened, a powerful pressure pinning Spear Douluo in place, his skin pricked with pain. Bowing his head, he stammered, "Your Eminence, I would never stray from my duty. I am loyal to the high priest alone!"
The figure chuckled softly. "Good."
Turning to face Spear Douluo, he asked a question that left Spear Douluo momentarily confused.
"If I'm not mistaken," he said slowly, "you once trained Dai Yao in spear techniques, didn't you?"
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